Library reaches out; plans busy month; defers fee hike

Library reaches out to Hispanics with Spanish programs

The Mountain Home Public Library offers a pair of bilingual Spanish/English storytime programs every Tuesday.

Although the programs were created as part of an effort by the library to reach out to the Hispanic population of the area, the programs are utilized by not only by those to whom Spanish is the primary language of their household, but also by English-speaking students whose parents want them to learn Spanish.

"About half the kids are there to learn English," said Bianca Brito, who along with Aracely Domine helps direct the two programs. "The other half are kids who speak English, but their parents want them to learn Spanish so they can read to them at home."

"At the end of each program, they're able to speak a little bit more than they did when they came in."

The programs have grown considerably since they were started a little over three years ago, from about a dozen students, total, to more than three dozen regular attendees today.

For the complete story, see the Mountain Home News.

Lots to do at the Library during January

The Mountain Home Public Library is gearing up quickly for 2009.

On Jan. 15 the library will hold its annual Magazine Sale. Each of the more than 50 titles carried by the library will be bundled into a full year (2008) of issues. The sale will be handled by the Friends of the Library, which also handles regular book sales, the money raised ultimately being donated to the library for special equipment or programs.

On Jan. 13 the library and the city recreation department will partner for a special gaming day featuring the Wii game and equipment the two entities acquired with a grant. The "After School Attack," held on a release day for students, will be held at the parks and rec building from 1:30-5:30 p.m.

The monthly gaming day will return to the library in February.

At the end of January the library will celebrate the Chinese New Year, handing out oranges and providing zodiac information.

After the Christmas holiday break Storytime is returning to the library every Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. That program is designed for children ages two through second grade.

On the first and third Thursday of each month at 10:30 a.m. the library will again offer its Lapsit program, designed for toddlers and at least one parent or guardian.

Non-resident fee hike has been delayed

A scheduled hike in library non-resident fees has been temporarily delayed by the Mountain Home Public Library board, citing the poor economy as the primary reason.

Last year the board had voted to raise the non-resident fee from $35 to $70, which not only brought it in line with other libraries in the area but more accurately reflected the costs city residents pay each year in property taxes for library services (which are provided free to city residents).

At the time, the board decided to raise the fees in two stages, initially to $50 at the start of the school year and then to the full $70 at the end of the year.

But the board decided that such an increase, during times of economic hardship for many area families, should be deferred. It noted that when economic conditions are poor, library use goes up as families can't afford other forms of entertainment.

The board decided it would review the remaining portion of the increase each quarter and authorize the final phase of the fee hike it it appeared the economy was improving.